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THE SOURCE // Higher education guide

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October 10, 2011

By: Josh Wolanin and Mike Munzenrider

Josh Wolanin and Mike Munzenrider

GET SMARTER // No matter what you may want to learn, you can probably find a place to learn it in Downtown. From art to psychology to fiddle lessons, there are a whole host of options available right in Minneapolis at over a dozen different institutions around the city and even online. Programs range from Ph.D. courses and bachelor’s degrees to weekly music lessons, so no matter what skills you’re looking to master, you can find a program to fit your needs. Check out this guide to find higher education institutions in Minneapolis.

The Art Institutes International Minnesota works with students to prepare them for careers in the “visual and practical arts.” Students are encircled in a creative and competitive atmosphere that is challenging and motivating.

A staff of financial planners, counselors and advisors are available and committed to assisting students so that they may successfully complete their programs. Individual academic advisors are assigned to students to help them with career plans and with scheduling the courses in coherence with their plans.

Dunwoody is a private nonprofit institution that uses a technology-driven approach to hands-on learning. Its mission is to prepare students for business and industry through practice with leading-edge technology.

Dunwoody provides service to a diverse population of learners, from recent high school graduates to people looking to try their hand at a new career. Dunwoody prepares its students to function in the workforce upon graduation.

Programs include: two-year degrees obtainable after one or two years, as well as mini-certificates and four-year programs. Academic programs: Arts and sciences; computer technology; construction design; electrical; electronics; food technology; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; manufacturing; printing and transportation.

Tuition: Average Bachelor of Science degree cost per year is $19,131; average Associate of Applied Science degree cost per year is $13,190; and average certificate cost per year is $10,776.

The Institute for Production and Recording bills itself as “an experience, not a process.” IPR offers students an opportunity to achieve in the music industry while learning from industry veterans. Offering 24 hour, seven days a week access to recording studios, IPR ensures students access whenever inspired.

Located in the Warehouse District, IPR is a stone’s throw from popular music venues and other Downtown Minneapolis attractions, ensuring students connection to the local music scene.

Programs include: Sound Design for Visual Media, Music and Entertainment Business and Audio Production and Engineering.

Tuition: $435 per credit; $995 for lab fees, depending on the program.

University of St. Thomas Minneapolis Campus1000 LaSalle Ave.651-962-4000stthomas.edu/aboutust/campuses/minneapolis/

The University of St. Thomas seeks to educate students to be “morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.”

The University of St. Thomas offers more than 50 graduate-level degrees, including masters, doctorates and education specialists. The programs work to enhance ethical judgment and promote personal growth, while also teaching students to think critically by integrating theory with practice.

Programs include: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, School of Engineering, School of Law, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Graduate Programs in Software — IT & IS, School of Education and School of Social Work.

Tuition: $984.50 per credit, $3,938 for four credits, $31,504 per year.

MacPhail Center for Music1128 LaSalle Ave.321-0100macphail.org

The goal of the MacPhail Center for Music is to promote lifelong learning and create a framework that encourages and rewards commitment to skill. Their sequential curriculum helps to build long-term relationships between students and teachers, which the center believes is an integral part of a student’s success.

In providing role models, the center believes they can, in turn, develop future role models. They aim to enhance students’ self-esteem and build the life skills of leadership, communication, self-expression, critical thinking and responsibility to community.

Metropolitan State is aimed at helping adult learners complete bachelor’s degrees or go on to get master’s or doctorate degrees.

Metro State offers over 50 majors, including accounting, law enforcement, nursing, management, psychology and computer science. They also have eight graduate programs and a doctorate program.

The University, founded in 1971, has about 9,000 full- and part-time students, and prides itself on individualized education programs for its students.

It also focuses on community involvement through its Center for Community-Based Learning. The program works to integrate community-based learning and civic engagement through courses and internships in the area.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC)1501 Hennepin Ave. S.659-6000minneapolis.edu

MCTC aims to provide students with “high-quality lifelong learning programs.”

Students can obtain certificates, diplomas and associates degrees through MCTC’s academic programs. Many of their programs are transferable to a four-year college, while others are aimed at preparing students for work.